Iris POV:

I sighed. I couldn’t concentrate on what the teacher was saying. All I could think about was last night.

I didn’t see Ace from last night after he marched out of the house.

I told Hudson about Ace but Hudson said “he will come back soon, don’t worry”.

But he behaved so oddly. Did I say something that he didn’t like?

I yelped when I felt a pinch in my forearm.

Iris,” the teacher yelled.

I stood up, anxiously.

Freak! I am dead.

Where is your attention,” the teacher yelled, angrily.

My head hung low.

“Sit.” I sat down, pouting.

I could hear some students chuckling.

What happened,” Edrick asked, quietly.

I shook my head and looked forward, trying to concentrate.

No messages, no calls. What if something happened to him?

But Hudson said he would be fine and Hudson sounded so honest.

The bell rang indicating the boring class was over.

I packed my books inside the bag and went to the cafeteria with Ali.

I rubbed my frigid hands together, warming them.

Did you see the news today,” Ali spoke, sitting beside me on the long benches.

What,” I asked, curiously.

5 people were found dead in an alley,” she said, wide-eyed.

But the main part was their body parts were cutted into tiny pieces and dogs were eating it,” She said.

Ew.. I gagged.

Why would anyone do that,” I said, stuffing a big spoon of spaghetti inside my mouth.

Yeah,” she agreed.

But let me tell you Ali eats so elegantly. No crumbs on the table, striking beside her lips. I am jealous.

Hey, Nick,” Ali said, smiling wide.

Oh, yeah. Nick was in my class. Shoot! That’s why he was talking to me yesterday.

Hey,” I said, smiling formally.

Hello, beautiful,” He said, smiling wide.

Thank you,” Ali said, smiling.

I looked at my phone to see if there was a message from Ace. But none.

Maybe he wants some space.

Iris, some help,” Nick said, standing beside me.

Oh… yeah,” I said, as we started to walk towards the canteen.

I didn’t hear what they said. Why does he need my help?

We stood in line waiting.

Oh, they want food, of course.

Here,” Nick said, extending a flower to me.

I frowned and looked at it.

I found this somewhere, I don’t know what I should do with it, so you can have it,” he said, nervously.

Umm… I am allergic to sunflowers,” I lied.

Shit! I am sorry,” he said, throwing the flower in the dustbin.

I nodded and smiled.

I don’t want flowers from any other man, even formally or informally.

I carried a plate of burgers and he carried a plate of french fries with a soda.

It’s easy to carry this much so why would he want my help? Weird.

I sat down and resumed eating my spaghetti in agony.

Why is Nick sitting with us, SUDDENLY?

Oh my god, he is staring here,” Ali squealed beside me.

It made my ears hurt. Some of her sounds are really annoying.

Ali, don’t do that,” I said, referring to her squealing.

Ok, but he’s looking at me,” she said, tugging her hair behind her ears.

Who,” I said, my eyes fixed on my phone.

I was playing Candy Crush.

Edrick,” she said.

I hummed. I was surprised, maybe he likes Ali.

You don’t look so…excited,” Nick said, contemplating.

I shook my head, confused.

You don’t like Edrick,” Nick asked me.

I shrugged.

My eyes widened when a message appeared from ACE.

A big wide smile breaks out on my face.

“Are you okay?” Ace messaged me.

I flipped the phone on the table when I felt Ali sitting beside me too close.

When I looked up Edrick was standing in front of our table and he sat beside Ali and I was in the corner of the seat.

I message back to Ace quickly, “ I am fine. Are you okay? “.

I sighed and ate my food, like a normal person.

But gosh, I was grinning like a pig inside. I want to hug him.

Iris,” Edrick called me.

Yes,” I said, looking at him.

Don’t tell me now he is gonna bully me again.

Here,” he said, extending the Advil tablet to me.

I took it and stood up, ready to leave.

Where are you going,” Nick asked me.

Ah… to meet the teacher,” I said, walking away.

I sighed and went to the back of the university.

.

.

.

I stood in front of the university waiting for Aiden to pick me up.

It was 5:10 in the evening.

Will Ace be home by now? He always arrives home after 7.

I saw Edrick looking at me, leaning on his car.

Gosh, why is he staring at me? Where are his minions and Stella?

He smirked and winked at me.

I frowned and looked away. What the hell did I just notice?

I saw Aiden’s car and ran toward the car, rapidly.

The car stopped in the middle of the road and I opened the door quickly, getting inside.

Slow down,” Aiden said, confused.

I saw Edrick smirking and shaking his head.

Let’s go,” I yelled and he pinched my forearm.

Stop yelling. My car, My rule,” He said, driving the car.

God, what is happening?

Did you talk to Ace,” Aiden asked.

I sat in my seat, comfortably.

He messaged me,” I said.

Aiden nodded, and a troubled expression stayed on his face.

What happened,” I asked.

Just don’t ask him anything,” Aiden said.

Who? Ace,” I asked, bewildered.

Yeah. Just speak normally to him,” he said, trying to choose the correct words.

Why, what happened,” I asked, worried.

Iris, there are so many things you don’t know about him and it’s good because there is a reason why we all fear him even after he’s our close friend,” Aiden said.

Just be cautious around him today,” he said.

I was confused and scared.

The whole ride was engulfed with an uncomfortable silence.

After 20 minutes I got out of the car and looked at Aiden.

Call me if something happens… anything,” he said.

I gulped and nodded.

I went inside the house hurriedly.

When I entered the living room no one was there, no maids, no guards.

It’s not 7 yet where is everyone?

THUD.

I flinched and my heartbeat rose up.

It was a utensil sound.

I gulped and walked toward the kitchen. My throat felt dry.

MINI,” his voice echoed in the kitchen.

He was standing in front of the stove, his back turned towards me. He was only wearing sweatpants in this cold weather.

Did I scare you,” he asked. I could see a fog of smoke flowing up in the air.

His chiseled back muscles moved with every movement he made.

Gosh, Iris, you’re a pervert.

I blinked and cleared my throat.

Hii,” I said, putting my bag on the kitchen counter.

You’re cooking,” I asked, confused.

Let me do it,” I said, walking towards him.

No,” he said.

It’s okay, I will do it,” I said, standing beside him.

I SAID FUCKING NO,” his voice raise at every syllable.

My feet walked back in fear.

It’s okay, it’s okay.

He dropped the spatula on the counter, roughly.

He put his hand on the counter, breathing deeply. I started to walk back, gulping.

Don’t,” his rough voice made me shiver in fear.

I fist my palms and calmed my breathing.

He turned around, making my blood run cold.

His hair fell to his eyelid, scratches on his chest, and a wound on his forearm. He looked dangerous.

Ace,” I blurted out, my eyes fixed on his injuries.

Are you scared of me,” he asked, walking towards me.

Unconsciously my foot started to back away.

My heart stopped when my hips touched the counter

You are scared of me, Mini. You must be thinking I am gonna hurt you,” he said, standing in front of me.

His eyes scared me.

It looked dark, pitch black dark with a glimpse of yellowish color.

He was not the man who loved me, a whole different man who I hadn’t seen yet.

W-What happened..t-to you,” I asked.

Me? I am fine,” he said, chuckling and throwing the cigarette in the dustbin.

I took a shaky breath and licked my lips.

Y-your wounds,” I stammered.

I killed someone so that must have come from it,” he said, smiling.

My eyes widened and I looked at him, stunned.

Who?,” I blurted out.

A man who tried to rob a woman and hurt her kid in an alley,” he said, putting his hand beside me, trapping me between the counter and him.

I nod, controlling my trembling hands. He leaned down till his lips brushed against my ears.

I made something for you,” he whispered.

Okay,” my eyes shut tightly, his hot breath tickled my skin making me shiver.

I..missed you,” he murmured.

His hair covered his eyes, just a glimpse of his eyes were visible.

Get freshen up, use the other bathroom,” he said, standing back to his original height.

Why,” I asked, releasing a shaky breath.

Just do what I say,” he said, gently rubbing his thumb on my cheeks.

I am sorry, I didn’t mean to raise my voice at that time. Merda. Who am I to yell at you?” he paused, shaking his head.

I am sorry,” he palmed my face and joined our forehead.

It’s okay,” I mumbled.

He sighed and squeezed my hand. When did he hold my hand?

I..will be back,” I said, walking away from him.

but he didn’t let go of my hand nor he loosened his grip on my hand. A firm grip.

He was looking at me like… he was trying to memorize my every little feature. Like Astonished.

Are you mad at me,” his voice came out husky.

No,” I said, candidly.

I am not angry at him but stunned. He killed a man who tried to hurt innocent people.

I love you,” he said with an unreadable expression.

I stood there, confused.

Say it back,” he asked…desperately.

We stood there away from each other, just our one hands joined, eyes locked to each other.

I love you,” I said.

I felt a wave of emotions: happiness, fear, confusion, nervousness.

NO! Say it like you mean it,” he said, emotionlessly.

Like I mean it…

I love you more,” I whispered, walking towards him.

His calloused chest moved up and fell as he exhaled and inhaled deeply.

I put my hand on his temple, caressing it.

He leaned down without looking away from my face, my eyes.

I removed the hairs, revealing his eyes.

His pupil was dilated, making his eyes prominently beautiful.

I stood on my toes and pushed myself upward.

Bello di qualsiasi fiore (Beautiful than any flowers),” he whispered and leaned down.

Our faces were so close that I could feel his breath on my face.

I closed my eyes and our lips touched, delicately.

Neither of us moved our lips. Just stood there pressing our lips against each other.

I backed away a little bit.

Did you eat,” I murmured.

No,” he said.

We didn’t move an inch, just stood there, gazing at each other.

You wanna talk about it,” I asked, nervously.

He shook his head, lightly.

I nodded and smiled carcassing his beard.

Then I left to freshen up and Ace made some scrambled eggs and sandwiches.

“There is a reason why we all fear him even after he’s our close friend”

Aiden’s words rang inside my head.

I know he’s dangerous and psychotic but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve love and be loved by someone.

_________________________________

We were sitting on the floor inside our bedroom, snuggling against each other.

Ace was sitting beside me and I was sitting on his lap, covered in a big blanket that warmed both of us.

I giggled when he bit my cheeks.

I like your voice,” he said, his warm hands resting on my inner thighs carefreely.

That’s shocking,” I said, my head was lying on his shoulder.

I love everything about you,” he said, hiding his face inside my neck.

Hmmm.. thank you,” I stroked his hand tattoos.

His tattoos are very different. His friends are like normal but Ace’ looks so… peculiar.

I closed my eyes when I felt his hand sliding inside my panties and cupping it firmly.

It felt good and warm. His hand just stayed there.

Ace,” I said, my fingers caressing his chest.

A rough hum came out of his throat, his eyes closed.

Why..did you... leave last night,” I asked despite my inner self telling me to shut up.

I gasped when he pulled me closer to him, making my back straighten against his front.

Something important came up,” he said, his fingers sliding through my folds.

I sighed and pushed away his hand, gently.

When I looked back at him, I saw an annoyed face staring back at me.

Did…I said something that hurt you,” I asked.

He leaned down on the floor and my back touched the frigid floor.

Ace,” my eyes stared at his hazel eyes.

It’s nothing,” he said, kissing me.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him, delicately.

Then what is it,” I murmured, backing away.

I put my finger against his lips stopping his kisses.

Will you tell me later,” I asked, hopefully.

He stood up and his pants hung low on his hips showcasing his perfect chiseled body.

You don’t have to know that,” his voice came out venomously.

Why,” I stood up and adjusted the blanket in my arms.

Mini, sleep,” he said, sighing roughly.

He laid on the bed and closed his eyes.

Ace,” I said

I said LET’S SLEEP,” he said, gritting his teeth.

Ok,” I whispered sadly.

I lay beside him, looking at his face.

Why can’t you tell me, is it so painful,” I asked.

Iris, sleep. I can’t tell you everything,” he said and turned his back towards me.

I pouted and hugged him from behind even though he didn’t hold my hand while we were sleeping.

Tomorrow I will ask Hudson.